Monthly Archives: May 2016

The time from the vasectomy to the reversal is one of the most important factors in the reversal’s success.

The longer the interval the more effect of the vasectomy obstructing the natural course of things in the testicle has on sperm quality.

Determining how much negative effect has occurred as result of the vasectomy on the quality and quantity is variable and usually based on the time interval.

Assuming that because a vasectomy can potentially “shut down” production of normal sperm, the testicles, after a reversal, have to readjust and begin to produce sperm again.

The chart above shows the maturation of sperm in the testicle.

This process usually takes about three months.

So, if the testicles have stopped producing sperm and the obstruction of the vasectomy is corrected by the reversal, then it would take about three months for normal sperm to complete the maturation process and be seen in the ejaculate.

So this is why many reversal doctors tell their patients not to consider submitting a specimen for the presence of sperm after a reversal for at least 3-4 months.

It you submit a specimen at three months and there are no sperm, that is disappointing, but in many patients it may take up to a year for the testicles to resume their normal activity.

I have had patients with no sperm in the ejaculate at six months and achieved pregnancy at one year.